Be careful when you take that selfie, more than 250 people worldwide have died while taking them, study says

It is hard to go anywhere these days without snapping that perfect selfie.

It can be fun to capture your new outfit, food or travels but if it involves standing on slippery rocks on the top of a waterfall, holding a loaded shotgun or flying a plane you may want to think twice.

According to a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 259 people worldwide have died since 2011 while taking selfies.

Researchers who led the study found that the most selfies deaths occurred in India. India accounted for more than half the total, 159 reported selfie deaths since 2011.

It was followed by Russia, the US and Pakistan.

Most of the victims are men.

Although women generally take more selfies than men, researchers found that men were more likely to take risks.

Drowning is the leading cause of selfie deaths, usually involving people being washed away by waves on beaches or falling out of a boat.

The second-leading cause is transport. For example, trying to take a quick selfie in front of a moving train.

Tied for third place involves fires and falls from high places.

Unsurprisingly, the US led in the number of selfie deaths involving a firearm where people accidentally shoot themselves while posing with guns.  The study says the problem is underreported.

Selfie deaths are on the rise too. There were just three reported selfie deaths in 2011, by 2016 that number had shot to 98.

The study authors suggest that ‘no selfie zones’ should be established in tourist areas, especially on mountain peaks, near bodies of water and on top of tall buildings.